Skills Used in Field Hockey

What is advancing in field hockey?
A foul in which a player pushes, shoves, or advances the ball in any way, using their body, hands, or feet rather than the stick.

What is a back pass and why is it used in field hockey?
A defensive pass to send the ball backwards to help the attacking team get the offense in place before moving forward on attack.

What is ball control and why is it important in field hockey?
Keeping the ball in possession so that it is difficult for the opponent to gain control.

What is a block tackle in field hockey?
Tackle using the open face (flat side) of the stick and with both hands on the stick.

What does it mean to cover an opponent in field hockey?
To position oneself between an opposing player and ball.

What is a flagrant foul in field hockey?
Any intentionally rough or dangerous play. The player is issued a red card and ejected from the game.

What is a give-and-go pass in field hockey?
Passing technique whereby the player passes the ball and then immediately sprints to receive a return pass.

What is a jab in field hockey?
To poke continuously at the ball in an attempt to make the attacking player lose possession.

What is marking in field hockey?
One-on-one defense by staying close to the attacker. Also known as man-to-man defense.

What is obstruction in field hockey?
An infraction for using the body or stick to prevent opponents from pursuing the ball. All players must have an equal chance to gain control of the ball as it is dribbled or passed down the field. The goalkeeper will be charged with obstruction if they lay on the ball.

What is a reverse stick and when is it used in field hockey? 
To turn the stick so that the inside edge of the stick is used, allowing a hit or push in that direction.

What is scanning and pre-scanning in field hockey?
Using peripheral vision to assess options while in possession of the ball. Scanning before the ball is received to look for the next pass or open space.

What is a self-pass (self-restart) in field hockey?
A self-pass is a type of restart where the player taking a free hit, sideline hit, center pass, or long corner may restart play by moving the ball and then immediately continue dribbling or playing it themselves. The player does not need to pass to a teammate first. The ball must clearly move to start play, and the restart and next action must be two separate movements. This rule allows the game to restart quickly and keeps play moving.

What is a set play in field hockey?
Using a team tactic that has been prepared before the game (free hits and long hits)

What is a square pass?
it is a pass sent parallel to the endline.

What is the T-spot and why is it important in field hockey?
The T-spot is a marking located where the circle meets the endline. It creates the shape of a “T,” which is how it gets its name. The T-spot is an important area for both offense and defense because it is often used to set up attacks, distribute passes, and create scoring opportunities near the circle.

What are systems of play in field hockey?
The formation of players on the field represents a balance of attack and defense. Sample formations from attack to defense: (forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers) 3-4-3-1, 3-3-2-2-1.

What is a tactic in field hockey?
A term used to describe the way in which a team wants to play in a game. Tactics can apply either to defensive or attacking formations and methods of play.

What is a through pass in field hockey?
A pass made by an attacking player between defenders into open space for a teammate to run onto and continue the attack.

What is a flat pass in field hockey?
A pass made by an attacking player to a teammate that is positioned horizontally next to the attacker with the ball to receive the pass.

What do width and stretch mean in field hockey?
Spreading the attacking players across the width and the length of the field in order to draw defenders and to create space for scoring opportunities.

What is zonal marking and how does it differ from man-to-man marking in field hockey?
A defensive tactic where players on the defense are responsible for guarding specific zones or areas of the field. The defensive player is responsible for guarding an attacking player who comes into their area or zone. The opposite to man-to-man marking.